Valproate use in male patients

Valproate use in male patients

According to our records you are being prescribed a medication called Valproate.

You may know it as sodium valproate, Epilim, Episenta or Depakote amongst other names.

A recent study has indicated a possible association between valproate use by men around the time of conception and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in their children.

More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/valproate-use-in-men-as-a-precaution-men-and-their-partners-should-use-effective-contraception

Subsequent updated safety advice:

·       •  it is recommended that you, and any female sexual partner, should both use effective birth control (condoms and another form of female contraception) as a precaution while you are taking valproate and for at least 3 months after stopping valproate

·        • allow at least 3 months to pass after stopping valproate before trying to father a child

·        • you should not donate sperm whilst taking valproate and for 3 months after stopping

·        • if you are considering starting a family, contact your GP surgery in advance to discuss

·       • if a female partner reports they are pregnant, seek prenatal counselling via the midwife or GP

·         • do not stop taking valproate unless you are advised to do so by a healthcare professional